The urban sidewalk problem

Sidewalks are public spaces, but they are also a source of livelihood for many freelance workers. How to maintain urban order without jeopardizing people's livelihoods remains a difficult problem.

Having been involved in selling fish noodle soup for nearly 20 years, Mrs. NTTE, residing in My Thuan commune, sells her goods from early morning at the Soc Son Commercial Center. Around noon, she paddles her boat on the river to continue selling to supplement her income. “I’ve been selling here for a long time. I don’t have the means to rent a storefront, so I make a living on the sidewalk. Every day, I try to sell for a few extra hours to earn money to support my family,” Mrs. E shared.

Next to her, Ms. NTT, who has been selling soft drinks on the sidewalk for nearly 10 years, also considers this the main source of income for her family. According to Ms. T, she used to set up tables and chairs to serve customers on-site, but now she mainly sells takeout to avoid encroaching on the sidewalk, as reminded by the local authorities.

Beyond its economic significance, sidewalks also contribute to urban identity. They are also spaces where one can truly experience the local way of life. Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Tam, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, said: “Every time I visit Long Xuyen, Ha Tien, or Rach Gia, I always look for affordable eateries on the sidewalks. A plate of Long Xuyen broken rice or a bowl of Rach Gia fish noodle soup eaten on the sidewalk feels completely different. Besides enjoying the food, I also get to observe the rhythm of life, the way people live, and feel the unique atmosphere of each locality.”

According to Ms. Tâm, it is this intimacy and naturalness that creates the unique appeal of street culture – where food , daily life, and the rhythm of urban life blend together.

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Besides its benefits, street vending also gives rise to many drawbacks. The encroachment on roads and sidewalks for business or spontaneous markets not only obstructs pedestrians and affects traffic safety but also generates waste and impacts urban aesthetics.

On May 29, 2026, the Provincial People's Committee issued Directive No. 13/CT-UBND on strengthening the handling of violations in the fields of land, construction order, road safety corridors, and urban order. Following its implementation, many localities simultaneously carried out propaganda and mobilization combined with campaigns to restore urban order. Many roads and spontaneous market areas were reorganized, gradually creating positive changes. Mr. TQB, a small trader at the Rach Gia Commercial Center, shared: “The people agree with the policy of restoring urban order. My family arranges goods neatly, does not encroach on the road or sidewalk, and cleans up after selling to help maintain urban aesthetics.”

Many small business owners believe that, along with increased inspections, local authorities should study and plan suitable business areas for high-demand product categories; clearly defining areas where trading is permitted and prohibited to facilitate compliance by the public. Raising awareness among business owners about maintaining environmental hygiene, ensuring pedestrian access, and preventing re-encroachment on sidewalks are crucial factors for effective long-term management.

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TUONG VI

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/bai-toan-via-he-do-thi-a490683.html